8 Quinoa Recipes We Can't Stop Thinking About

It's the hottest grain in our diets for a reason. High in fiber, naturally gluten-free, and super-versatile, the ingredient can easily be used to make knockout curries, soups, breakfasts, and more. These dishes prove how delicious quinoa can really get.

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Rachel Cooks

Quinoa- and Kale-Stuffed Butternut Squash

At first glance, these look like the most amazing loaded potato skins you've ever seen. And although they're much healthier than their greasy counterparts, they don't lack anything in the satisfaction department. Fiber-loaded quinoa and kale fill you up, squash provides tons of vitamins and minerals, and thick-cut bacon makes for a well-deserved treat.

Trying to make an all-time favorite pasta dish healthier and gluten-free is a difficult feat, but this genius recipe manages to do the trick. The quinoa version is loaded with protein and extra veggies, and it still satisfies those cheesy cravings.

Skip the Chinese takeout and make your own version—sans MSG, chemicals, and unnecessary fat. With more vegetables than you can count on one hand and a lower-sodium, slimmed-down spice list, it's just as satisfying as the original.

Liven up your morning routine by replacing your usual bowl of cereal with this slightly-sweet quinoa mix. With only five ingredients and a handful of spices, it takes almost no time to prepare and packs about 12 times the fiber of cornflakes, saving you from considering an 11 a.m. lunch.

If you've never gotten excited about a plate of veggies for dinner, that's about to change. Served on top of quinoa, this medley of onions, cauliflower, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, and serious seasonings definitely heats things up.

Veggie soups can prove none-too-filling if there's nothing to add some substance. This take on the traditional favorite relies on quinoa for heartiness, along with carrots, celery, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and green beans. Bonus: It's gluten-free and vegan, so it'll keep even those with dietary restrictions toasty.

Here, ever-versatile quinoa subs in as a gluten-free replacement for oatmeal, and is sweetened with almond butter and honey for an extra-healthy breakfast. Plus, quinoa has six times as much protein as oatmeal. How's that for an energy boost?

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